It was later under the guise of school research that I started to understand more about tattooing and how the trade functioned. Then, a good friend of mine gave me an idea some time in my 2nd year to consider tattooing, because it was a way of still doing art and drawing, just on a different canvas. I loved drawing and was hoping to make something out of fine art but felt like there weren’t many options in Singapore. I started to realize that I truly enjoy making art in a non-commercial capacity, and not having to be stuck in an agency. We also took some time to speak with her to find out more about her experience and journey through as a tattoo artist, and how that has impacted her life and work.ġ.How did you get motivated to pursue tattooing? GILLIAN: Back then, I was pursuing Graphic Design at the school of ADM at NTU (Nanyang Technological University).

This time round, we were honoured to be making her first suit - a gradient designed one to fit her personality, no less. And that’s where both the challenge and motivation is, as she remains firm in perfecting her craft despite the stereotypes and misconceptions about the tattooing profession. It is true that tattooing may seem less taboo these days, considering how it is now celebrated as an expression of oneself, but it is still not laden without the possibility of regret if it isn’t well-thought, placed or done. She truly appreciates and respects her client’s commitment to having her art on them for a lifetime, and delivers pieces with full attention to detail. For Gillian, who’s into her third year of tattooing now, she has learnt to move past the judgment people have towards the trade and continues to focus on improving her work. My love for her work and very real personality stuck, and I’ve been an avid follower ever since.

But Gillian said yes, and everything about the tattoo was on point for us. It was certainly relatable because of my personal experience with serving clients that have also turned to friends now - and I’m glad to have had this opportunity with her too! My first encounter with Gillian was one of little words, we were introduced through a friend - and my friend and I had the craziest idea to tattoo a bunch of fries to commemorate our friendship, which could have seemed all too random. Sheryl: On this installment of #3EIGHTHConversations, I wanted to take the liberty to share about my interactions Gillian simply because I’ve had the pleasure of first being her client before getting to know her.

Never back down tattoo